advertisement

---

The Watco Cos. Inc. recently marked its 25th anniversary. The short-line holding company was formed in 1983 by Charles "Dick" Webb, who currently serves as chairman.

Watco initially began as an industrial switching operation employing eight people in DeRidder, La., a business that still exists today. The company later started up a mechanical operation and rail-car repair shop, and began acquiring short lines.

Watco now employs more than 2,000 in 23 states; owns 17 short lines operating in 15 states; operates various industrial switching operations, locomotive shops and car repair facilities; and owns transloading subsidiary Reload Inc.